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For helpHere are some resources for those living with depression or suicidal thoughts.The National Alliance on Mental Illness, nami.org, 800-950-6264The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 800-273-8255

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Beloved by millions the world over, actor and comedian Robin Williams didn't seem like a man in pain.

But the stories that surfaced following actor's the death from an apparent suicide by hanging painted a much different picture -- one of a man living with depression and addiction. It's a sad but familiar story to many local mental health experts, including Dr. Jeremy Barowsky, addiction specialist at Greenwich Hospital. He said Williams' death, while tragic, does put a familiar, well-loved face on mental illness, from which many people suffer in silence. It could provoke discussion about mental illness and suicide prevention.

"It's terrible on the one hand, but it does call attention to the fact we don't always know when people are suffering," said Barowsky, also a staff psychiatrist at Greenwich Hospital. He pointed out that Williams was "someone who, on paper, had no need to be depressed. But we don't exist in a vacuum."

Barowsky said there are many resources people can turn to if they or a loved one are suffering from depression, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The alliance provides information on local chapters and support groups at its website, nami.org. People shouldn't hesitate to reach out if a loved one is exhibiting suicidal behavior, Barowsky said. "You should be very concerned when you see dramatic changes in people's behavior," he said.

"Depression and drug addiction occur in the lives of very talented people, as well as everyday people," Cooperman said. "And depression is not something to be brushed aside. If it's untreated, it can have very serious consequences."

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, major depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. In 2012, about 16 million adults 18 or older had at least one major depressive episode in the past year. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that more than 90 percent of people who commit suicide have been diagnosed with mental illness, and that roughly 30,000 people a year take their own lives.

Substance abuse and addiction also are associated with an increased risk of suicide. Williams was open about his struggles with addiction, and even checked into a rehab clinic earlier this summer. Mental health professionals said the sad event has the potential to draw attention to an illness millions of people suffer from, much in the same way the death of another respected actor, Philip Seymour Hoffman, from a drug overdose in February, created more discussion and interest around preventing overdoses.

Williams' death could do the same for depression, said Dr. Charles J. Morgan, chairman of Bridgeport Hospital's psychiatry department. "People need to seek treatment," he said. "This is a brain disorder. This is not a weakness."

Experts said, with ongoing treatment, people living with mental illness and suicidal thoughts can be helped.

"Maybe we can use (Williams' death) as a moment to say `Look, there are treatment options available,' " Cooperman said.